I tried to call Violet and Jordyn a million times but they won’t answer their phones so now it’s holiday break and everyone hates me and I don’t have anyone to hang out with. My mom keeps asking me what’s wrong but I can’t tell her. She’d be so disappointed. Even Kendall noticed and tried to cheer me up by inviting me to watch Christmas movies with her and Emery.

I haven’t been back on DarkestDoor, either. I want to be mad at Wither. I mean, he kind of made me add Rachel Farmer to my presentation. I think I should probably just forget about him. This is going to be the worst Christmas ever.

Beth Crow Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Beth Crow

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Once we arrive at the hospital, a nurse is there to greet us. She explains that the doctor will check Violet over and then I can come back to be with her. I give Violet another kiss and promise I’ll see her soon.

The nurse directs me to the emergency waiting room where a young woman is sitting behind the counter and she is in no rush to look up from her desk to acknowledge me. I tap on the glass partition and with infuriating slowness she lifts her heavily mascaraed eyes. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, my daughter was just brought in by ambulance.” I look around for any sign of Max. He hasn’t arrived yet.

“Your name?”

“Beth Crow and my daughter’s name is Violet.”

“Insurance card.”

“We were just here the other day. Can I just go in back and see that she’s okay?” I’m begging now and it isn’t fazing this woman. I guess she’s used to seeing people on their very worst days and has to stay unemotional and businesslike. I still hate her.

“The doctor will let us know when you can go back and see her. Insurance card, please.”

“I don’t have insurance,” I say, feeling my face go hot. At my office supply job in Algodon I had decent insurance but the convenience store didn’t offer family coverage and I sure as hell didn’t make enough to pay the premiums. I know the hospital bill will probably bankrupt me but what am I supposed to do?

The woman sighs as if she is just tolerating me. “Please take a seat and I’ll let you know as soon as information is available.”

Instead of sitting, I pace. I have no idea what’s been going on with Violet but somehow she has gone from being a victim to being hauled away in an ambulance.